The Murray State Counseling Center has been temporarily relocated to Suite 351 in the Business Building due to an ongoing construction project, but remains operational.
The construction is part of an Asset Preservation project expected to provide various improvements to the Oakley Applied Science building, home of the Counseling Center.
Jason Youngblood, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management, said the work includes “the addition of single occupancy, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant restrooms on each floor, major mechanical and electrical upgrades (and) a few space refreshes in certain areas.”
Previously stationed in Suite 104 in Oakley, the Counseling Center offers in-person and remote therapy sessions from licensed psychologists and a “Zen Den,” where students can unwind and destress in a quiet environment.
All of these services except for the Zen Den remain available in the new location.
While the Zen Den may be temporarily out of commission until the center returns to Oakley, Waterfield Library now offers its own quiet place for students to utilize.
“University Libraries received a MSYou Matter, Racers Care mini-grant to establish a calm space in the library,” said Stephanie Leedy, collection development and acquisitions librarian. “Our area provides a quiet space with comfortable seating and ambient lighting. Students needing a few moments of peace and tranquility to overcome stress and anxiety can utilize the space to self-calm.”
The library’s new quiet space can be found by the stairs to the second floor and adjacent to the computer lab. Unlike the Zen Den, however, it cannot be reserved for 30-minute sessions.
“The calm space set up in the library differs from the Zen Den in that it is available on a first-come-first-serve basis and does not offer the same amenities that the Zen Den does, such as a weighted blanket and aromatherapy,” said Cris Ferguson, associate professor and dean of libraries. “That said, we hope students will take advantage of the space we have set aside to rest and relax when the need arises.”
While a timeline is not set in stone, Angie Trzepacz, director of the Counseling Center and licensed psychologist, said they are expecting to remain in the Business Building until at least November and may not return to Oakley until January.
Updates may be found by visiting the center’s website at murraystate.edu/CounselingCenter.
To book an appointment, Zoom session or find help locating the new temporary location, call 270-809-6851 or email [email protected].
